Dear Parents/Guardians,

Thank you to all who joined us for our special person lunch during Education Week! It was lovely having so many of you at the school to celebrate with our students.

We're also happy to see a positive increase in student attendance this week, following lower rates in March. Thank you so much for your efforts in ensuring your children are at school and engaged in their learning. Consistent attendance is vital for their academic progress, social and emotional growth, and overall well-being. Each day in the classroom offers important learning experiences and strengthens connections with peers and teachers. We appreciate your partnership in prioritizing your child's education through regular attendance.

Our students have been thoughtfully writing letters about what they love about NCS and why they would be a great Principal for a Day, including their ideas for the day. This Wednesday, the selected students will step into the roles of Principal and Vice Principal and have some exciting activities planned!

We wish our mini basketball players the best of luck as they travel to Grand Trunk this Saturday for their first tournament.

Our next School Council meeting will be held on Monday, April 14th at 3:30 PM in the music room.

A reminder that my last day at the school is April 17 before I begin my maternity leave. Information should be provided soon on the incoming principal.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Bailey Benson

"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." ~ B. B. King

April

• April 12 - Mini Basketball Tournament, Grand Trunk
• April 14 - School Council Meeting @ 3:30
• April 17 - Hot Lunch: Taco in a Bag
• April 18 - Good Friday, No School
• April 21 - Easter Monday, Yes there is school
• April 22 - Clothing Swap, 5:00 - 7:00
• April 24 - Hot Lunch: FREE Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, Sponsored by Northside Motorsport
• April 25 - Pancake Breakfast, Sponsored by McLeod Trading Post

May

• May 1 - Hot Lunch: FREE Corn Dogs, Sponsored by Tymchuk Farms
• May 2 - One Act Festival in Barrhead
• May 2 & 3 - Handball Provincials
• May 5 - School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
• May 6 - Badminton GYAC Tournament in Hinton
• May 7 - Hats On for Mental Health
• May 8 - Hot Lunch: FREE Quesadillas, Sponsored by PM Trucking Ltd.
• May 15 - Hot Lunch: FREE Chicken Nuggets, Sponsored by Judy Robinson
• May 16 - Professional Development Day, No School for Students
• May 19 - Victoria Day, No School
• May 21 - Youth Farm Safety Day for Grades 6 - 9
• May 22 - GYAC Track & Field in Hinton
• May 22 - Last Day of Junior Kindergarten
• May 22 - Hot Lunch: Burgers
• May 28 - Provincial Achievement Test for Grade 6, ELA Part A (Written)
• May 29 - Provincial Achievement Test for Grade 9, ELA Part A (Written)

The Grade 4/5 class had a fantastic time practicing their aim and focus during their archery session in PE class. Students learned the proper techniques for holding the bow, drawing the string, and releasing their arrows towards the target.

The Kindergarten and Grade 1 students in the Roots of Empathy program are learning valuable lessons by observing a baby's growth and development throughout the school year. Through regular visits, they witness firsthand the baby's changing abilities, emotions, and interactions, fostering their understanding of empathy and different stages of life. This unique experience helps the young students develop their emotional literacy and perspective-taking skills as they connect with the baby's journey.

In their exploration of character traits, the Kindergarten and Grade 1 students are learning about courage, symbolized by the strong and resilient Bear. Through stories, discussions, and activities, they are discovering that courage isn't just about being fearless, but also about trying new things, asking for help when needed, and standing up for what is right, just like a brave bear in the forest. This learning helps them understand how to be courageous in their own daily lives.

The Grade 4/5 students are currently engaged in a creative geometry project where they are designing symmetrical geometric bears. By carefully arranging various shapes and ensuring both sides mirror each other, they are exploring the principles of symmetry while bringing adorable and unique bear creations to life.

The junior high students in their CTF (Career and Technology Foundations) class were excited as they put their carefully constructed model airplanes to the test. They launched their creations, observing their flight patterns, stability, and distance, applying the principles of aerodynamics they had learned. This hands-on activity allowed them to troubleshoot designs, refine their building techniques, and experience the real-world application of science and engineering concepts.

The Grade 8 students are diligently working on their cell and systems unit by constructing detailed three-dimensional models of either plant or animal cells. This hands-on project requires them to accurately represent the various organelles within the cell, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and cell wall (for plant cells), and to precisely label each component with its correct scientific name.

Mini Basketball Tournament this Saturday, April 12 at Grand Trunk.